The summer is fast approaching, and we are all ready to run out of our locked-down homes to meet it. Whether you’re looking to dive into city life, submerge yourself in natural parks, or take an actual swim at one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, this country has you covered.
Best Cities to Visit in Portugal
Portugal has lively cities, romantic towns, and picturesque villages to last a dedicated tourist a lifetime of exploration. Still, there are some you cannot miss during your stay in Portugal, either as a digital nomad or as a remote worker.
You might be wondering whether you will be able to find a place to stay in either a midterm or a fully furnished rental even now. You’re in luck because Portugal has adopted a “Clean & Safe” seal given to establishments that have enhanced their hygiene and safety measures.
But onto cities! Visiting Lisbon is a no-brainer, mainly because of its gorgeous historical center. Portugal's capital also hosts many of its art galleries and museums, and other cultural events, slowly taking place after April 5th.
You can go to Sintra, a favorite day-trip destination in Portugal. Not only do you get to visit the UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage of the city itself, but you can also visit castles and palaces or take a walk through the nearby nature. Just make sure you pack a pair of sturdy boots, as the local hills can be demanding.
Another well-known place many people cannot resist visiting is Porto. Its waterfront, Ribeira, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for good reason. There is simply nothing like it. Additionally, you can visit the Sé cathedral, Torre dos Clérigos, or an iron bridge named Ponte Dom Luís I. Post-COVID; you can also take a sightseeing cruise on one of the many meandering waterways.
Nature in Portugal
You might have spent most of your lockdown pent up in a small apartment above a noisy intersection and the last thing you want to see, at least for a while, is another city. If that’s the case, pack a map and set out into Portugal’s many natural parks.
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa in Algarve is 60 kilometers of marshlands, shallow lagoons, and dune islands full of rare and local wildlife. The park is navigable by nature trails that will lead you alongside flamingos, the unique purple gallinule, and a keen-eyed visitor may also spot a few Mediterranean chameleons.
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is perfect for you if you want to take in Portugal’s natural sights from high above. This park rises to up to 1993 meters above sea level, the highest peak on mainland Portugal. It is home to countless hiking trails, picturesque villages serving the local creamy Serra cheese, and an abridged but popular ski season.
The last place we’ll recommend is the beaches, sandstone cliffs, and sea caves around Lagos. You can explore these via a sightseeing cruise, on foot, or using a boat. Naturally, a place like this is full of water sports opportunities. And as the day is ending, you might want to look out to the sea and gaze at a sun setting behind the Atlantic horizon.
